The First 5 Things Every Candidate Must Do When Running for Local Office
- Scarlet Strategies
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Many people consider running for local office but never take the first step.
Not because they lack the qualifications or the desire to serve, but because the process can feel confusing at the beginning. Filing requirements, petition signatures, deadlines, and campaign logistics can seem overwhelming if you have never done it before.
The truth is that most successful local campaigns start with the same foundational steps. If you are thinking about running for town council, school board, county office, or another local position, these are the first five things every candidate should do.
Thinking about running for office? Download our free Pre-Announcement Checklist here.
1. Confirm You Are Eligible to Run
Before anything else, verify that you meet the legal requirements for the office you are considering.
Eligibility requirements vary by state and office but typically include:
Minimum age requirements
Residency requirements (you'd be surprised!)
Voter registration status
Party affiliation rules (for partisan races)
It is important to review these requirements early so that there are no surprises later in the process.
2. Learn the Petition and Filing Requirements
Most local candidates must submit a petition with a required number of signatures in order to appear on the ballot.
Important details to research include:
The number of signatures required
Who is allowed to sign the petition
Filing deadlines
Where petitions must be submitted
Missing a filing deadline can end a campaign before it begins, so understanding these rules is one of the most important early steps.
3. Talk to Trusted Advisors
Running for office should not be a decision made in isolation.
Successful candidates usually begin by speaking with:
Family members
Community leaders
Party officials
Former candidates or elected officials
Campaign professionals
These conversations can provide insight into the responsibilities of the office and the realities of running a campaign. They can also help you gauge whether you have the support needed to move forward.
4. Define Why You Are Running
Voters respond best to candidates who have a clear reason for entering the race.
Ask yourself:
What issues motivate me to run?
What improvements would I like to see in my community?
What experience or perspective do I bring?
A clear purpose will shape your campaign message and help voters understand why your candidacy matters.
5. Start Building Your Campaign Infrastructure
Even small local campaigns require some basic infrastructure.
Early steps may include:
Creating a campaign committee
Setting up a campaign bank account
Establishing a campaign website
Creating social media accounts
Beginning to identify volunteers and supporters
These foundational elements allow candidates to organize their efforts and communicate effectively with voters.
Running for Local Office Starts with Preparation
Local government plays an important role in shaping communities. Decisions about schools, development, taxes, public safety, and infrastructure all happen at the local level.
Candidates who prepare early and understand the process are much better positioned to run effective campaigns.
At Scarlet Strategies, we work with first-time candidates to help them navigate the early stages of running for office, from planning and messaging to campaign materials and digital strategy.
If you are considering running for local office, preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow. Contact us for marketing design, printing, texts, mailers, door hangers, social media, and more.
Learn more at: ScarletStrategies.com and find our guides here.
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